Best Way to Treat Different Kinds of Digestive Disorders with Herbs

Constipation

The seeds and husks of psyllium are an excellent remedy, recommended by conventional doctors as well as herbal practitioners. First soak the seeds or husks in water, then add a small pinch to a glass of water — at least 1/2 cup (110 ml or 4 fluid ounces), and drink. Or grind the seeds and husks to a powder and add 5 g (1 teaspoon) to 1 cup (225 ml or 8 fluid ounces) of water. While taking psyllium, be sure to drink plenty of extra water or fruit juice regularly.

Infusions of crushed flax seed can also be helpful. An infusion of the dried powdered roots of Chinese rhubarb makes a strong laxative, to be tried only after milder treatments have failed. All these herbs are approved by Commission E for treating constipation. In addition, some herbalists recommend an infusion or decoction of dandelion root.

Diarrhoea

Herbal treatments include infusions of the leaves of agrimony, blackberry, or of the leaves and flowers of lady’s mantle. A decoction or tincture of the rhizome of tormentil can also be used. Because of its ability to absorb liquid, psyllium is a good treatment for diarrhoea, too;

Nausea

An infusion of ginger is an excellent remedy for mild nausea and motion sickness; it is approved by Commission E for this. Slice or grate a chunk of fresh ginger root (rhizome) roughly 13 mm thick; pour over 225 ml (1 cup) of just-boiled water and allow to steep for at least 15 minutes, preferably longer. Drink this tea to relieve feelings of sickness, or, to prevent motion sickness, take it three to font hours before travelling.

Indigestion

This word embraces a host of digestive complaints including acidity and ‘upset stomach’. An infusion or peppermint leaves are a renowned calming treatment for indigestion. Infusions can also be made from the leaves of lavender, rosemary, and lemon balm, both , the leaves and the dried flowering branches of horehound or yarrow, and the crushed seeds of dill, anise, fennel, milk thistle, or coriander. Use the leaves and crushed roots when making infusions of chicory. Cut or crushed raw onion (added to a salad, or sandwiched between two slices of bread), is very helpful, as is ginger root. Lemon balm is particularly useful for indigestion triggered by tension and anxiety. All these herbs are approved by Commission E for treating digestive complaints.

A famous account of a herbal cure for indigestion is to be found in Beatrix Potter’s story The Tale of Peter Rabbit, where Peter’s mother gives him chamomile tea after he has gorged himself in Mr. McGregor’s garden. You too might like to try an infusion of chamomile. Infusions of the following herbs may also provide some relict: spearmint, bee balm, and seeds or leaves of celery. Another remedy often recommended is raw garlic: this is easier to get down if it is finely sliced and eaten with slices of apple; or you can chop it and scatter over a salad. If you want to avoid having the smell on your breath, chew some parsley afterwards.

Bitter herbs such as centaury, chicory and dandelion stimulate the flow of digestive juices; this has given them a reputation for improving digestion if they are taken ahead of a meal.